Located on 1801 S Dairy Ashford Rd, Ramen Bar Ichi is one of my favorites! It’s definitely number one in my list. Scott and I decided to explore Seiwa Market, a new Japannese market on Dairy Ashford. Right next to it, there was a soft opening going on for Ramen Bar Ichi. We decided to go on a whim, not knowing it was going to become one of the top ramen bars in Houston. I instantly fell in love with the Pork Tonkotsu with it’s milky porky broth, fresh noodles and my favorite bamboo shoots. I’ve been meaning to go back, its soooo good!

Tiger Den is located in Houston’s China Town 9889 Bellaire Boulevard. Growing up near Bellaire, I was lucky to live near China Town. Not until I got older, I was able to explore this side of town more. Scott and I finally had the opportunity to go to this acclaimed restaurant that once was featured on the news. Tiger Den is a Japanese Ramen and Izakaya restaurant. They specialize in house made noodles and their broth that simmers for 20 hours to create that flavorful experience. Their Pork Tonkotsu was delicious, they are generous with their pork and that broth was out of this world. We were also able to try some unique items such as grilled beef tongue and chicken hearts. My favorite thing about Tigen Den is the restaurant itself. It has that cool vibe to it that I have not experienced before. There is always a line of people ready for them to open at 5 pm.

If you go to Ramen Tatsu-Ya’s website they claim that ramen is “it’s soul food of Japan,” Ive never been to Japan (I hope to go one day!) but I totally agree with them. I have had the opportunity to visit several ramen restaurants here in Houston and every bowl of ramen is unique in its own way, a lot of time and love is put in to make the perfect ramen bowl. Ramen Tatsu-ya is the collaboration between local chefs/DJs, Tatsu Aikawa and Takuya Matsumoto. The two of them first met as they were busy making their marks on the Austin scene as hip-hop DJs. Long story short, I am glad they made their second establishment here. Their Tonkotsu Origial was amazing, their broth is the star! I drank it up like the left over milk in a bowl of cereal. Thick, milky, white pork broth.

Located in the Montrose disctrict, on 1722 California St, with a giant lucky cat in the front (you cant miss it). It is a very hip restaurant from beginning to end with great music playing in the background and art plastered all over the walls.

Jinya is Scott and I’s go to, it is literally just a few minutes away from where I live. Any time we have a craving for ramen you can find us here starting off with our favorite appetizer of fried brussel sprouts, Pork Tonkotsu, and a side of sake. They have two locations here in Houston, 18299 Egret Bay Blvd (NASA) and 3201 Louisiana St (Midtown). Discover a wide array of authentic toppings, from tender pork chasu to a perfectly cooked and seasoned poached egg to fresh garlic that will take your ramen bowl to the next level. You can elevate your experience further by pairing it with tapas or a craft beer. They specialize in hand made noodles that are cooked with FUJI which is 99.9 percent free from impurities – to the special aging process that the noodles undergo before they’re cooked and served.They have other locations all over the United States. Jinya was my first introduction to ramen, you can say it holds a special place in my heart. Their Pork Tonkotsu never dissapoints!

Agu Ramen has a very insteresting story. It’s Chef Hisashi “Teddy” Uehara first opened the doors of AGU Ramen in 2013 in Hawaii. AGU quickly became a Hawaiian haven for Japanese comfort food with five Oahu locations from Honolulu to Kapolei. Their signature broth takes 24 hours to create, the chicken broth more than 9, and the cha-shu 18. They have several locations sprinkled all over, you can find them in Houston, Sugar Land, and Katy. I like my Pork Tonkotsu spicy, I ended up choosing the “mild” option, and it still made my nose run! Be aware of the spice levels with this one. AGU Ramen is definitely heartier than all the other ramen restaurants I’ve been too. All their ingredients are organic and made fresh in house, this includes their noodles. I could tell they prepare each item with perfection, patience and a little extra Aloha!

Date idea? Go get some ramen!

Are there any other ramen restaurants that I missed? Have you visited any these restaurants? Tell me all about it in the section below!